"sure most folks at YC feel like they try harder too"
It's great to be the underdog it makes everything fun as you are trying to get somewhere. Once you get there you have something to lose. So you either becomes paranoid or you can become lazy and complacent.
You might remember the Dirk Diggler character in "Boogie Nights". First time he won the award he gave a big speech and thanked everyone. Next time a little less, next even less. After he had won so many awards he would just go up on the stage and say "thank you" as if it didn't even matter anymore. Later, he couldn't even "get it up" he became impotent. That's what you have to guard against. Your strategy is great.
It's great to be the underdog it makes everything fun as you are trying to get somewhere. Once you get there you have something to lose. So you either becomes paranoid or you can become lazy and complacent.
You might remember the Dirk Diggler character in "Boogie Nights". First time he won the award he gave a big speech and thanked everyone. Next time a little less, next even less. After he had won so many awards he would just go up on the stage and say "thank you" as if it didn't even matter anymore. Later, he couldn't even "get it up" he became impotent. That's what you have to guard against. Your strategy is great.